Microsoft: Windows 8 finalized, RTM version headed to manufacturers

Microsoft (MSFT) on Wednesday announced that Windows 8 is ready for primetime by shipping off the final Windows 8 code to its manufacturing partners for production. In an official company blog post, Microsoft communications manager Brandon LeBlanc wrote that the company’s original device manufacturer partners “can now begin preparing new Windows 8 PCs and devices they’ll introduce” starting on October 26th, when both Windows 8 and the Microsoft Surface tablet will become available. Microsoft has also set up a preview website for users who want to test out Windows 8 before upgrading later this year.